8 Halloween Houses That Are Scary Good

From spooky scenes to over-the-top displays, these decorated yards offer plenty of fun and frights.

Think you’ve seen some impressive Halloween decorations? Bergen homeowners are here to raise the bar—and maybe your goosebumps too. Every October, many of our front yards transform into haunted houses, spooky scenes and downright spectacular displays, proving that around here, a little Halloween spirit can go a very long way.

So grab the kids, round up your bravest friends and charge up your phone for some serious photo ops. Below are some of the county’s most fun and fright-filled Halloween homes—the kind of neighborhood attractions that make you slow down, stare a little longer and wonder just how many hours went into putting it all together. Happy haunting!

Dumont: Berkeley Place. A stroll through this neighborhood will take you past flashing lights, festival inflatables and friendly cutout decorations.

• Fair Lawn: Hartley Place. Once dedicated to a Stranger Things theme, the Carota family’s decorations still exude the holiday spirit. This year they move to 5-16 Hartley Pl., dubbed Horror on Hartley, where “dark, uncertain, suspicious” décor will greet all visitors.
• Hackensack: Clinton Place. The homeowners here have been going all out during Halloween for decades, and this year’s displays are no exception. Visitors will find plenty of spooky scenes as well as exhibits that will make folks laugh and appreciate creativity.
• Mahwah: West Ramapo Avenue and Glasgow Terrace. Known at the Creepy Hollow of Mahwah, this site becomes a haunted cemetery with huge animatronics. Consider bringing and donating a non-perishable food item, which will benefit a local food bank.
• Maywood: Palmer Avenue. The finishing touches of the yearly haunted attraction at 845 Palmer were going up this week and will be ready for visitors by the weekend. Prepare to be scared!
• Ridgewood: Sheridan Avenue. The destination here is 124 Sheridan, where the homeowners have opened their annual backyard maze. Bring your family and friends and try to find your way out of the labyrinth. It’s free but can be challenging to figure out!
• Ridgewood: West End Avenue. The final pieces are going up at 294 West End, which is always filled with fun and frightening scenes suitable for all ages.
• Township of Washington: Colonial Boulevard. Though some homeowners here don’t participate, many do decorate their yards with displays that are good for both fun and frights.
• Wyckoff: Miller Road. If you’re in the area, be sure to swing by 551 Miller. The home here is packed with decorations (watch out for the animatronics!) as well as a fog machine.

Show us photos of your favorite Halloween decorations this year—tag us on Instagram @bergenmagnj.